A Principled Approach to Worship Planning Nathan H. Platt, Associate Pastor of Worship

I. Presumptions

Planned under the Inspiration and Supervision of the Holy Spirit Focused on the Full and Finished Work of Christ on the Cross Cognizant of the Comprehensive Ministry of Christ Attentive to the Engagement and Edification of All Committed to an Offering of Excellence

II. Principles

A. Scriptural Saturation Luke 4:16-21 “I charge you … have this letter read to all …” I Thessalonians 5:27 “All scripture is inspired by God” II Timothy 3:16 “The word of God is living and active” Hebrew 4:12

B. Commendable Preaching Fundamental not Supplemental II Timothy 4:1-2 Exemplary Exposition II Timothy 2:15 Centrally Balanced I Timothy 4:13

C. Musical Diversity Psalms, Hymns, Spiritual Songs Eph. 5, Col. 3 Historic and Contemporaneous Romans 11:33-36 Traditional and Popular Lukan Canticles 1-2 Simple and Sophisticated I Timothy 3:16 Instrumental and Vocal Revelation 5 & 15

D. Stylistic Consideration Ephesians 5:15-21 Blended by Biblical Mandate Corporate Need vs. Congregation Preference Conscientious (Cautious) of Contemporary Trends

E. Educational and Edifying I Corinthians 14:1-26 Are we joining the Church universal in song? Revelation 7:9-17

Are we singing a “new song” to the Lord? Revelation 5:6-14

Are we singing the songs of eternity? Revelation 4:8-11 Are we instructing the saints how to sing? Colossians 3:16-17 Are we encouraging participation or creating spectators?

F. Purposeful Participation Nehemiah 8 In Leadership, Prayer, Scripture, Song, and Response G. Asthetic Inspiration Exodus 25-31 Beauty and Glory, Structure and Symmetry, Symbolism and Simplicity I Kings 5-7 III.Planning

 Seek Spiritual Guidance Inquire of the Lord’s will Perceive the needs of the people Formulate the structure or flow Identify individuals components

 Consider the Scripture Principle Sermon Passage Supplementary Passages Complete or partial passages? When will they be read? What version will be used? How will they be read? Will they require preparation?

 Design Interaction What will prepare the congregation for the Word? How will they engage with it when read? How will they respond to what is read?

 Formulate Structure Outline the Service Attention to balance Attention to dialogue Attention to flow Attention to pace

 Pick Components Keep Principles C – G in mind Congregational Hymns & Songs Choral Leadership/Participation Choral/Vocal Proclamation Instrumental Accompaniment Instrumental Meditation Aesthetic Enhancements

 Evaluate Effectiveness Worship through the service Time the Service Tweak the Service

 Prayer and Preparation Questions of Significance in Planning Corporate Worship

 What is the primary Scripture passage for the worship Service?

Is the selected passage self-explanatory? Does it need to be explained or lengthened? Could selected verses summarize a lengthy passage? Do names, phrases or names need to be added? Which translation conveys the message most provocatively?

 What other Scripture passages compliment the focal passage?

How will these passages be presented or read? Is there an opportunity for congregational reading? Do the Scriptures include the Psalms, Gospels and Epistles?

 What is the over-arching message or theme of the Scriptures?

How can this theme be emphasized throughout the service? Could the welcome be worded to heighten the overall theme? Could the children’s sermon address of foreshadow it? What songs would compliment the Scriptures or theme?

 How biblical, historic & contemporary is the congregational song?

Are the three primary categories of congregational song included (whether read or sung): Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs? Are the lyrics of the hymns and songs theologically accurate and comprehensive? Are the lyrics of the hymns and songs poetically appropriate and appealing? Is the best of historic hymnody employed in congregational song? Is the song selection diverse enough to edify all ages present in worship? Is there evidence of a “new song” being sung in weekly worship? Are the musical styles appropriate for worship and accessible for all ages? Are any aspects or worship accessible or engaging for the un-churched/new-comer?

 How meaningfully can liturgical elements be employed?

How can the congregation be continually involved in the latreuo of worship? Are they afforded opportunity to pray verbally? Are they able to affirm their faith through Scriptural or doctrinal confessions? Are they instructed and encouraged to voice their “Amen,” “Hallelujah,” etc. Is there opportunity for them to respond physically in worship?

 How complimentary are additional elements of the service?

How can the time of introduction and welcome be used to enhance worship? Is a choir, ensemble or soloist employed in ways the support the theme of the service? Is the inclusion of a testimony or moment for ministry supportive of the theme? Have announcements been presented in a succinct and informative fashion? Does the Benediction bring a sense of closure to congregational worship?